Harper ejected for arguing checked-swing call

Summary of 7 articles · Updated May 6, 2013

PITTSBURGH Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper has been ejected by third base umpire John Hirschbeck for arguing a checked-swing third strike. One could dig for reasons why Harper was ejected and Fielder wasn't, but the fact remains that a 20-y… (more)ear-old was ejected for arguing a called third strike by an ump with almost 30 years of Major League experience and a 28-year-old was not ejected for arguing a called third strike by an ump with almost three years of Major League experience. We got the 'W' today and things like that happen," Harper said. Instead of all that, Harper took the high road the highest possible, really. It looked like Harper didn't swing at the pitch, but third-base umpire John Hirschbeck ruled that he did to end the inning. The 2-2 pitch from Pirates starter Wandy Rodriguez a low, sweeping curveball that looked like it crossed the plate above the knee before diving below the strike zone seemed to be a strike , but home plate umpire Bob Davidson ruled it a ball.

Bryce Harper ejected by John Hirschbeck, but he finds his cool later

An umpire ejected Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals for the second time in his career Sunday afternoon after he argued a check-swing call for strike three in the first inning. At first glance, third-base umpire John Hirschbeck seemed to be the ag…

A tale of two disputed strikeouts -- but just one ejection

One could dig for reasons why Bryce Harper was ejected on Sunday while Prince Fielder wasn't on Saturday, but the fact remains that a 20-year-old was ejected for arguing a third strike by an ump with almost 30 years of Major League experience and a 28-y…

Gio settles in, benefits from pair of Nats homers

It's safe to say that left-hander Gio Gonzalez was a lucky pitcher on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park. After getting off to a slow start, Gonzalez pitched solid six innings and helped the Nationals defeat the Pirates, 6-2.